What To Do If You Find Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

On occasion, the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society (CWRS) has received wildlife that were not actually injured or orphaned but were displaying normal wildlife behaviors. Before picking up a wild animal or calling the CWRS, please do the following:

Wait!
Watch the animal from a distance…are you sure it is injured or orphaned? With some species, it is normal for parents to leave their offspring alone for long periods of time.

Before rescuing any injured or orphaned wild animal it is critical to be sure the animal needs help. Watch the animal. Animals might seem hurt if they are not moving, or abandoned when they are alone. Yet usually they are behaving naturally and their ability to hide or stay still is a survival tactic.

Many infant mammals are left on their own for extended periods of time while their parents are foraging for food. In many bird species the offspring outgrow their nest and their parents continue to raise them on the ground. It is perfectly normal for you to see an infant animal left alone. The best guardian for any young animal is its own parents.

Things to look for when aiding wild animals:
Birds & Hatchlings (featherless birds)
(More to come - in the mean time please read our FAQ's for more information.)

If the animal is truly orphaned or if it is injured it will need your help. If the animal's parents are not available then the next best choice is a qualified wildlife technician. You will need to capture the animal to take it in for treatment.

Protect Yourself!
Injured animals are frightened and may think you are a predator. If you're sure the animal needs help, use protective gear such as eyewear and gloves.

Remember: The wildlife you are trying to help is not aware of your good intentions. The animal will view you as it would any predator and try to get away from you. If it can't get away from you, it will bite or scratch you to defend itself. Use extreme care and caution when approaching any wild animal.

If you are uncomfortable picking up an animal call the CWRS or a vet clinic and we will send a volunteer to help.

Warm!
Gently wrap the animal in a coat, blanket or towel. A cardboard box makes a great holding and carrying case and offers some privacy to the animal.

Shhhhhh!
Once the wildlife is safely secured, it is important to keep them calm. Speak quietly, avoid loud sounds and sudden movements and keep them out of bright light.

Now get professional help!
Click here or call (403) 239-2488 for a list of clinics accepting and treating wildlife on behalf of the CWRS. These clinics ensure initial treatment of wildlife, and provide the public with several drop-off sites around the city on a 24 hour basis.